England pace bowler Jamie Overton has declared his intention to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket, a decision that keeps him out of this winter's Ashes series. The 31-year-old, who has played two Tests for England, explained his decision in terms of the physical and mental toll of playing all three formats. Overton played his second Test match in July at The Oval, claiming two wickets in England's tight six-run loss to India. His Test debut was in 2022 at Headingley, where he scored a crucial 97 alongside Jonny Bairstow in Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's inaugural summer in command. Focus Shifts to White-Ball Cricket Overton's decision is unexpected, particularly as he was regarded as one of the favourites to be included in England's Ashes team. A fast bowler with a robust physique and a knack for bowling at 90mph, he was likely to make a significant contribution to England's quest to win in Australia since 2010-11. Instead, Overton will concentrate full-time on white-ball cricket. He will feature for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League this winter, a franchise he has played for the previous two summers. Overton was recognized as the team's MVP earlier in the year after taking 11 wickets and making 191 runs at a strong average of 95.50. Overton said: "After a great deal of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket. I feel very fortunate to have played 99 first-class matches, including two Test matches for England. Red-ball, first-class cricket has provided the foundation for my professional career and has been the gateway to every opportunity I've had in the game so far. It's where I learnt the game, and it fueled the goals and ambitions that have driven me for so long." He added: "However, at this stage of my career, with the demands of cricket across a 12-month calendar, it's no longer possible to commit fully to all formats at every level, both physically and mentally. Going forward, my focus will be on white-ball cricket, and I will continue to give everything to play at the highest level for as long as I can." Also Read | R Ashwin Supports Jamie Overton's Non-Striker Run-Out in BBL Harry Brook "Shocked" by Overton's Decision Overton is in England's white-ball team for their ODI series in South Africa. England white-ball captain Harry Brook acknowledged he was taken aback at the timing when he got to know about Overton's decision to take a break from red-ball cricket. Brook said: "A little bit shocked to be honest. I thought he did well in that last Test, he bowled quick. Obviously, you've got to respect that decision that he's going to have a little bit of a break from red-ball cricket. Hopefully at some point we'll see him again in the future." He added: "I'd heard rumors but I hadn't heard it from him until today. You've just got to respect the decision, he obviously doesn't feel like he wants to play red-ball cricket at the minute, and we can't do anything about it. He's made the decision now but it's unfortunate. I thought he did really well in that last Test match, and it would have been nice to have him there in the Ashes." Brook went on to say that Overton's move would be good for England's white-ball team: "Absolutely. When he is fully fit and firing he bowls thunderbolts and he can whack it out of the park. Hopefully he can upskill even more from what he's got now and be the best white-ball player he can be." Injuries Affected Overton's Red-Ball Career Overton has endured injury issues in recent seasons, featuring just once for Surrey in the County Championship this season. He has played only four first-class games for his county side since the start of 2024. His switch is a career turning point, with a higher priority given to shorter formats as he aims to optimize his skillset and prolong his cricketing career without giving much strain to the body by playing the red-ball cricket.